How to make your 1980s dress looks like 1940s

We all heared many times before that "80s does the 40s" saying. But what does this really stands for?

I must admit when I first started buying in thrift shops and at the flea markets, I wasn't paying much attention to the labels, fabrics or zippers. Or anything else except the fact that I love it and it suits me well. After I learnt a thing or two about what vintage really means, I realised that the most part of my own closet is actually vintage appropriate clothes or the clothes from the 70's, 80's or even 90's. You may be wondering, can someone call himself a vintage blogger while wearing mostly newer dated clothes? And I must say - yes! Here's why.

80s clothes is often cheaper, easy to find in your local thrift shop and in a better condition than the original vintage pieces from the 40s or 50s. 1980s was the era of many things we may now consider silly, even when it comes to clothes but also a decade in which designers and high-street brands started to reach back into the past for the inspiration. For instance, this dress is the C&A dress I got as a gift from my mother's friend and immediately fell in love with the colors and the pleats. It's obviously an 80s dress and you can say that by the fabric, vivid colors, padded shoulders (that have been removed by me) and the logo. Although C&A is a brand that actually exists from the 1841, so maybe you can find a real vintage piece with their logo on! If you want to find out something more about the topic, hop over to my dear fellow blogger Jessica's blog. She's an expert!

I pair this dress it with a unique looking sweater that I got from my godmother. She bought it in Germany on the day I was born (so it's going to be 25 years old in a five days). It reminds me on 1940s short capes usually woron over dresses or shirts. If you are fond of 40s look, you should know that a tilt hat is a must have accessorie to spice up your appearance. I purchased it on a flea market a year ago for about 3$. Make up and hair will also do the trick to make you look like you're coming from a original 1940s gathering and not some 80s crazy disco party. Put your hair in rollers overnight to achive nice bouncy curls. And red lipstick is an essential, of course.

Outfit details

Dress- C&A (gift from my mother's friend)

Sweater- gift from my godmother

Hat- flea market (Hrelić)

Necklace- gift from my boyfriend's mother

Shoes- Zara

Purse- thrift shop

Watch- Maurice Lacroix (graduation gift from my boyfriend)

Bracelet- Swarovski (graduation gift from my classmistress)

(I've just realized that more than half of the items were given to me. What a coincidence! I'm a lucky girl!)

Do you dare to wear 80s clothes? What are your favorite finds from the decade?

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comments:

You look wonderful, and it's refreshing to hear you speak about '80s clothing in this way, when it's viewed with so much disdain by a lot of people!! I often wear '80s does '50s dresses, as like you say,they're affordable and in good condition. Great colours on you xx

I love this outfit! And I agree that you can still be a vintage blogger even when you wear newer clothes. I think it's about bringing the old school elegance and adopting it into your style. Who cares if it's not actually 40s or 50s? :) This outfit is perfection and the color combination makes me smile ear to ear!

Absolutely gorgeous outfit!!! 1980s does 40s and 50s garments are a powerhouse player in my wardrobe, as well, and I always adore making them look the old school part as much as possible, too. Something doesn't have to be vintage to look the part and the total picture is what counts the most.

The colours in this look are sensational - green sings like a chorus of angels on you, dear gal.

Thank you so much dear Jessica, your comments always bring me smile because you're such an inspiration to me and to whole vintage community! The whole picture is what matters, that is true! Have a wonderful week too! Love & kisses

As I mostly wear modern clothes, styled to be more 50s, I completely agree with this ethos! Particularly as it is one that doesn't break the bank in quite the same way...! This outfit is so beautiful - the colours are amazing. Stunning! CC x

You look absolutely lovely - the colours are adorable. Your approach mirrors mine, and although I don't blog myself I tend to follow bloggers with that same approach - with just a smattering of 'pure' vintage thrown in for inspiration! Kx

What a gorgeous outfit! The colors are extraordinary. And you're right about the eras -- last year I bought what I thought was a 1940s dress; my expert friends told me that, based on its materials, it was made in the 1980s with the style of the 1940s. Which probably explains why it was in such good condition and affordable.

Love these tips ~ and I really appreciate your point of view! I certainly think that anything goes as far a vintage blogging. You can wear whatever you want as long as it has that period 'look'. How you put together your ensemble has everything to do with creating a vintage style, it doesn't rely solely on the item you use.

Hi Josephine, thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment - I admit I prefer full vintage, even if an 80's garment could pass as one from the 40s. You are looking spectacular here Josephine, your choice of wardrobe, your hair, the backdrop - gorgeous.